How to Go Live on Instagram

Tap each step to follow along in order.

  1. Tap the + icon

    Tap the + icon at the bottom of the Instagram app.

  2. Choose "Live" from the menu

    Select "Live" from the list of options that appears.

  3. Add a title and decide whether to invite a guest

    Type in a title for the broadcast, and invite someone else to join as a guest if you want.

  4. Tap "Start Live Video"

    Tapping this button starts the broadcast immediately and sends a notification to your followers.

Connect with followers without preparing content in advance

Even without any prepared content, going live lets you chat with followers in real time, answer questions, and share whatever is on your mind, which tends to feel more personal and immediate than a scheduled post.

Save it for people who missed it

After the broadcast ends, you can share the replay to your profile or Stories for a limited time, so followers in a different time zone still get a chance to watch it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all my followers get notified when I go live?

Followers who have notifications enabled for your account typically receive an alert, though not everyone will see it depending on their own notification settings.

Can two people go live together on Instagram?

Yes -- inviting a guest lets two accounts broadcast side by side on a split screen, which is often used for interviews or joint Q&A sessions.